tensions-rise-as-punjab-skips-bbmb-meeting-on-water-allocation

The Punjab Government on Saturday abstained from a crucial Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) meeting over a growing dispute with Haryana regarding river water allocation.

 

The meeting, scheduled to be held at 5 pm, was called to discuss the BBMB’s recent directive to release an additional 4,500 cusecs of water to Haryana. However, Punjab declined to participate, citing preparations for a special session of the state Assembly on May 5, where the issue is slated for in-depth discussion.

 

In a formal communication to BBMB, the state government requested that the meeting be postponed, highlighting that its officials were occupied with arrangements for the upcoming Assembly session.

 

The state’s Water Resources Department further raised procedural concerns, stating that under Section 7 of the BBMB Regulation, 1976, a minimum seven-day notice is required to convene such a meeting. Punjab insisted that due process be followed before any deliberations take place.

 

The Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, had earlier urged the Punjab Government to reconsider its stance and participate in the meeting convened by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to resolve the inter-state dispute amicably. With Punjab holding firm, the ball is now in BBMB’s court to decide the next steps in the contentious matter.

 

BBMB meeting concludes; chairman to coordinate with Punjab govt

The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) meeting concluded in Chandigarh on Saturday without the Punjab government’s participation, which had called the meeting “unconstitutional and illegal.”

The Punjab government objected to the meeting and urged the board to postpone the session due to procedural lapses. Despite Punjab's boycott, the meeting went ahead. BBMB officials decided that its Chairman would coordinate with the Punjab government to address key concerns. One such issue is the deployment of police at the Nangal Dam. The Chairman will initiate talks with Punjab for the withdrawal of police forces. Only after that will discussions on water release be undertaken.

The BBMB further assured that if Punjab faces any water shortage in the future, necessary arrangements would be made to ensure adequate supply.